Carrier for cans and the like



HQG. BROWNE R CARRIER FOR CANS AND THE LIKE Aug. 18, 1970 Filed on. 9. 196a m, "E "V! m mv .B

6 MM I m g H m 3,524,534 Patented Aug. 18, 1970 ed S ate Pawmffi ABSTRACT on THE DISCLOSURE A compartmentalized tray for receiving cans therein.

Spring members releasably clamp-the cans within the tray. A receptacle is attached to the tray exterior for receiving a can opener. Spring retaining means clamp theopener within the receptacle.

The present invention relates to carrier devices and more particularly a carrier for cans.

During the extended use of certain machines, frequent lubrication is required. In the case of farm machines and the like used in the field, a number of quart size oils cans are placed in a container and retained in a storage compartment where they are accessible. One type of prevalent container for receiving a number of cans is the conventional. six pack usually consisting of a cardboard or fiberboard package which receives six quart size cans. However, as will be appreciated, such a package is unable to withstand the abuse received in operation of the machine over rough terrain and wide variations in weather and temperature. Thus, such a container generally tears causing the dislodgement of the cans which are free to move around and possibly become lost.

The present invention includes a rugged tray-type container capable of receiving a number of cans. Clamping members are provided for retaining the cans within the tray. Further, a receptacle is mounted to the tray, for receiving a can opener. Thus, the present device offers a machine operator the convenience of having a can opener located near the cans to be opened so that he need not waste time searching for an opener. Further, the tray device secures the cans therein until they are already for use. The tray may be conveniently mounted toa farm machine or other vehicle. The present invention also offers the motorist a means for conveniently retaining lubricant cans for easy access when lubrication must be added to the vehicle. In the case of vehicles, the tray may be conveniently fastened to a surface within the trunk or under the hood.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in'the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the present invention. 7

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along a plane passing through section line 2- -2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken along a plane passing through section line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

Referring specifically to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 generally denotes the present carrier device which is seen to include a rectangular open tray 12 having oppositely disposed ends 14 and 14'. The tray also includes oppositely disposed lateral sides 16 and 16', as well as a base 18. For purposes of illustration, the present invention is shown to accommodate two quart size cans. However, it will be appreciated that the invention may be easily modified to retain any number of cans or similar containers.

A transversely disposed divider 20 having similar dimensions tothe ends 14 and 14' is suitably attached to the tray and retains the cans 22 and 22 in separated relation which also inhibits longitudinal play of the cans within their respective compartments.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first pair of transversely aligned hook members 24 and 24' are suitably fastened to the exterior surface of lateral sides 16 and16' respectively. Each hook member is characterized by an inverted generally J-shaped-tab having the bight portion thereof extending upwardly. The hook members are located at a median point between the divider 20 and a respective tray end 14.

When utilizing the present invention, a can or similar container 22 is placed within its tray comparmtent. Next, an elongated coil spring member 26 is placed in peripheral engagement with the upwardly exposed portion of the can. The spring member 26 includes hook-like terminations 28 and 28', at the outward end thereof for engaging the hook members 24 and 24' respectively. When correctly positioned, the spring member 26 clamps can 22 within its compartment thereby preventing the dislodgement thereof until a user disengages a spring end from its associated hook member.

An identical clamping mechanism is provided for can 22' disposed Within its compartment defined between end 14' and divider 20 in the case of can 22', the hook members are denoted by 30 and 30'. The coil spring member associated therewith is indicated by 32 and is seen to include hook-like ends 34 and 34'. As will be appreciated, during the use of the present invention one can or both cans may be removed at a particular time as desired.

An auxiliary receptacle generally denoted by 36 is mounted to the tray 12 thereby providing a means for storing a can opener. Specifically, the receptacle includes oppositely disposed ends 40 and 40', and an outwardly disposed lateral side 38. The inward edges of the ends 40 and 40 include perpendicularly offset tabular portions 42 and 42' respectively. The tabular portions or flanges are suitably attached to the exterior surface of the lateral tray wall 16 by means such as spot welding of the like. The receptacle further includes a bottom 44 for supporting a can opener.

The spring retainer or clamping mechanism utilized in conjunction with tray 12 is also employed in connection with the receptacle 36. An aperture 46 is formed through lateral side 16 of the tray, immediately adjacent divider 20. A hook member 48 is mounted to the lateral side 38 of the receptacle in transverse alignment with aperture 46. The hook member 48 is identical in configuration and orientation to the aforementioned hook member 24. An elongated coil spring 50 similar to the aforementioned spring members 26 and 32 includes hooklike terminations 52 and 52. In the present instance, the length and diameter of spring member 50 is less than the dimensions of spring members 26 and 32. The spring terminations are placed in aperture 46 and hook member 48. A can opener 56 is disposed in underlying relation with spring member 50, the tension of the spring being such to clamp the can opener within the receptacle. In the form of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1, cans 22 and 22' are intended to be quart size oil cans. Therefore, the can opener 56 is illustrated in the form of a conventional can piercing and pouring spout.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a suitable number of apertures 58 is formed in the base 18 of tray 12. Thus, the tray may be placed in juxtaposition with a mounting surface 59 and fastened thereto by means of suitable fastener 60.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modiin the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A can carrier comprising an open tray having side walls for receiving a plurality of cans, an interior divider transversely mounted between lateral sidewalls for defining multiple receiving compartments of minimum dimensions to prevent can jiggle, clips connected to lateral sidewalls at aligned points intermediate each compartment, coil springs releasably holding down the cans being connected between associated aligned clips, a receptacle mounted to the exterior of a sidewall, a can opener disposed in the receptacle, a clip mounted to the receptacle disposed in transverse alignment with an aperture formed in an oppositely disposed sidewall, and a coil spring releasably holding down the can opener being connected between the clip and aperture.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS FOREIGN PATENTS 228,297 2/1925 Great Britain.

WILLIAM T. DIXSON, JR., Primary Examiner U.S. c1. X.R. 220-20 

